How To Course Withdraw

W Grade Policy

• A withdrawal places a "W" on the student's academic transcript and is not calculated into the GPA.
• Students remain enrolled in the credit hours associated with the course; they will be shown as attempted hours.
• A maximum of three (3) course withdrawals can be used during a student's academic career.
• Students can submit a course withdraw request through the last day of classes each term.
• There are no refunds for tuition and fees for a course that is withdrawn.
• Students cannot use the W grade policy on a course with an honor code violation.

Steps to Course Withdraw

1. Investigate options to be successful and decide if withdrawing from the course is your best option.
   1. Use the Gradebook Template to calculate your current course grade.
   2. Use the GPA calculator to run what-if semester GPA scenarios (your quality points and GPA hours are located on Hokie Spa > Transcript and Certifications Menu > View Unofficial Transcript
2. Using the degree requirements for your major (or intended major), confirm the following:
   1. minimum grade needed for the course.
   2. future courses requiring the course as a pre-requisite.
   3. how it will impact your academic plan.
3. Consult with your academic advisor for any questions related to the course withdrawal.
4. Find the subject, course number, and CRN on Hokie Spa > Classic Student Schedule.
5. Complete and submit the electronic College of Engineering Course Withdrawal Request Form.

Verify Your Course Withdrawal

Students can monitor their status on Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > View Registration Information. Once updated, the grade mode will display a "W". Requests will be processed as long as there are no holds on your account, and you have not exceeded the maximum number of course withdrawals (3 total). It will likely take several days for the request to be processed and if submitted near the end of the term, the requests are commonly not processed until after the term has ended. This will have no effect on the course withdrawal.

NOTE: Once a course withdrawal request is submitted, students should cease all work for the course (including submitting assignments, attending class, and taking the final exam). Engaging in a course after submitting the course withdrawal form could be considered an honor code violation.

Important Notes

• Financial Aid: consult with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (finaid@vt.edu) and review the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. If you are a VGAP or Commonwealth Scholar, you must complete 30 credit hours during the course of the academic year.
• Student Athletes: consult with your Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS) advisor for NCAA eligibility requirements.
• Military Benefits: consult with the Office of Veteran Services (veteran@vt.edu).
• International Students: consult with Cranwell International Center regarding impacts of utilizing this option and your visa status.
• Holds: you have five (5) business days from the last day to apply for W grade policy to have the hold removed. Go to Hokie Spa > Hokie Wallet > Administrative Holds to view holds. 
• Labs: if you have a 0-credit lab, the withdrawal from the course will also withdraw the lab (e.g. PHYS 2305); if you have a seperate credit-bearing lab, the lab will not be withdrawn and you will need to submit a separate request if you wish to withdraw from the lab as well (e.g. CHEM 1035 and CHEM 1045).